Fantasia leads campaign for school choice in Newark

Getty Images file photoSinger Fantasia performs on ABC's Good Morning America summer concert series in Bryant Park on July 13, 2007 in New York City.

By Kim Prime

Former American Idol Fantasia — along with other well-known personalities — has joined Excellent Education for Everyone’s (E3) Celebs for School Choice awareness campaign to inform parents and community leaders about the Opportunity Scholarship Act in New Jersey. This bill will allow 20,000 low-income K-12 students in chronically underperforming schools to go to another public or private school of their choice that participates in the program. The New Jersey State Senate voted unanimously to pas the legislation last month, and the bill is now awaiting a final vote by the State assembly.

Fantasia, along with Terrence J, host of BET’s music video countdown show 106 & Park, are spokespersons in a campaign currently running on Emmis Broadcasting’s WQHT Hot97 and WKRS 98.7 KissFM. The ads are also running on select cable networks in New Jersey on various stations such as BET, News12 NJ, and VH1.

Fantasia became a household name at 19, after her riveting performances and historic win which made her the youngest American Idol ever. She’s since been praised for her portrayal of Celie in Oprah’s Broadway show, The Color Purple. It’s no secret that Fantasia dropped out of high school. “I know what it is to struggle in inner-city schools and believe things would’ve been different if my parents had a choice,” says Fantasia, who now uses her considerable appeal to inspire students to stay in school. She has since earned her G.E.D and received an honorary diploma from Andrews High School in Greensboro , N.C.

Terrence J has a degree in Mass Communications from North Carolina A & T University, and has used his educational background to make his video show one of the world’s most watched and highest rated music series, reaching 85 million households in several countries. “I couldn’t do what I do without the education I have; somebody was looking out for me and every child deserves that,” says Terrence J.

Many other celebrities of diverse backgrounds have joined the cause. They include Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Universal recording artist and Newark native Kat Deluna, and rapper and producer Erick Sermon. Rev. Reginald Jackson, executive director of the New Jersey Ministers’ Council, and Carlos Valentin, executive director of ASPIRA, are among the list of New Jersey community and civic activists who have also joined the campaign.

Bringing the message home, Fantasia will appear at the “Old School for New School Choice” rally on Saturday in Newark ’s Washington Park. The event will feature music, other entertainment, and information to increase support for the passage of the bill.